A Streetcar to Desire: An Argument for Converting Roads to Rails

In an excerpt from his new book Terra Nova published on Places, ecologist Eric W. Sanderson investigates the physics of human transport.

He compares the energy consumption of walking, biking, roller skating, NEVs, various automobile classes, diesel and electric buses, streetcars, light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, jet planes, and ferries, and comes to the conclusion that streetcars are the best way to travel.

After looking at the reasons historical streetcars systems failed, Sanderson lays out his plan for a modern streetcar revival, supported by municipal investment in urban rail and short-term concession agreements.